An $84 million construction project at Avenue 12 and State Route 99, responsible for the closure of at least four businesses, began earlier this month and is not expected to be complete until winter of 2016.

Called the SR 99 Avenue 12 Interchange Improvement Project, the construction — contracted through Security Paving Co. Inc. of Los Angeles — is the latest in a series of projects spanning the highway to improve traffic flow through and beyond the Central Valley.

Gloria Rodriguez, Caltrans District 6 public information officer, said the improvements are necessary to accommodate more drivers on the road.

“It’s an area that is projected to have significant increases in traffic demands,” Rodriguez said. “These improvements will provide enhanced safety for drivers as well.”...